LOWELL, MI (GRAND RAPIDS PRESS WIRE) — The River Trail Triathlon is once again putting its race-day earnings to work for local students, with $2,222.52 in proceeds going toward youth mental health programs in the Lowell area.

The triathlon, held in June, drew roughly 85 participants who took on kayaking, biking, and running across a stretch of Lowell's waterways and trails. Organizer Grant Hengesbach presented a check last week to Barb Hoogenboom of Lowell Community Wellness, which will distribute the funds throughout the Lowell Area Schools district.

Hoogenboom said the money will be used primarily to expand counseling services at Unity High School.

"It's priceless, just to provide someone, not only for them to talk to, but to work through life skills and emotional stability," Hoogenboom said. "These mental health services will, in turn, help students better focus on learning in the classroom."

The event marks its fourth year. Hengesbach, who described it as the only "dry tri" he knows of in West Michigan, a triathlon that substitutes swimming with kayaking, said the race drew participants from five states this year, including two from California, as well as racers from across Michigan.

The River Trail Triathlon began as a church fundraiser for a World Youth Day trip to Portugal. Hengesbach, who grew up in Fowler and went to college in West Michigan, said he was drawn to the natural beauty of the area and wanted to give people an outlet to enjoy it.

"This is just the most pristine area as far as natural resources go," Hengesbach said. "I tried to take full advantage of it, and I wanted to give people an outlet to do the same, even if it is just for a day."

Jodie Seese, the event's sponsorship and marketing coordinator, said the connection between time outdoors and mental health was intentional.

"It's really an invitation to embrace nature here in our community," Seese said.

The race was funded through registration fees and sponsorships, with Enwork serving as lead sponsor. Although Hengesbach has recently moved out of the Lowell area, he said plans will still move forward for a 2027 River Trail Triathlon.